hello all ! needing some opinion on should I use T5s or MH also brand names , protein skimmer brand names , sump brand names , its a 210 gal tank 72x24x30 , on a stand possible canopy , planning on small fish or no fish size bigger than 7in. as an adult , All types of coral & possible clams , & invertebrates I've really been doing my home work but its just so much info. out there , just like to here from your experince . Thanks
Any recommendations
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T5 vs. metal halides comes down to personal preference, IMO. I like the shimmer that halides provide but T5s don't generate as much heat.
Other things you asked about are totally dependent on $.
Skimmers- I would check into MRC or Reef Octopus skimmers. I also would get a skimmer rated for more total volume than you will actually have.
Sumps- MRC makes some very nice sumps. Many people use an old tank with baffles. If you have the room, Rubbermaid stock tanks work well but are not very attractive.
I would suggest searching here in the ARC Large Tank forums and check out some of the build threads. You should get plenty of ideas regarding set-ups the size of yours.
Good luck with your tank. I am a wee bit jealous.
Other things you asked about are totally dependent on $.
Skimmers- I would check into MRC or Reef Octopus skimmers. I also would get a skimmer rated for more total volume than you will actually have.
Sumps- MRC makes some very nice sumps. Many people use an old tank with baffles. If you have the room, Rubbermaid stock tanks work well but are not very attractive.
I would suggest searching here in the ARC Large Tank forums and check out some of the build threads. You should get plenty of ideas regarding set-ups the size of yours.
Good luck with your tank. I am a wee bit jealous.
It would depend on how high you plan on having your T5 above water line but a 30" dept is pretty deep. I'm a fan of MH so thats what I would go with and thats what I have on my 60 cube. (400w radium) I get great grow and color along with nice shimmers. MH does produce more heat then T5 so you'll have to invest in a chiller, but then again, even with T5, you'll still need one for the hot summer days. T5 bulbs produce less heat but not that much less.
I'm also a fan of Reef Octopus and I have had great results using their product. I've never used any other skimmer so I can't input on other brands.
As far as sumps go, as long as you have enough room for your skimmer and a fuge, I think anything will work. I've always did a DIY sump out of acrylic, it's a lot cheaper then buying retail. (half the price if not more)
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hmmmm I'm a t5 fanboy.. but 30 may be a tad deep.
that being said.. i keep sps on the very bottom of my 24" ... so... another 6 "?
Really the only fixture I would try it with would be the 10 or 12 lamp ATI Powermodule.
B
that being said.. i keep sps on the very bottom of my 24" ... so... another 6 "?
Really the only fixture I would try it with would be the 10 or 12 lamp ATI Powermodule.
B
thank you all for your thoughts & suggestion I'm picking up some MH tomorrow . Now I have to decide on a protein skimmer & sump . To put under my stand . I haven't got a stand yet but just trying to do my homework so , when its time I will know what to do & Thanks again for your thoughts in this !
Yes I've decided to make my on stand so I have a little more homework to do lol ! but I've decide on the skimmer finally , Reef Octopus NWB-200 8 . still not sure on return pump nor sump choices , either Aqueon ProFlex Sump Model 4 or Berlin Reef Sump 200 . Once I get this items I can build the stand to makesure all fit with no problems
Your sump will determine what kind of return pump you will get IMO. It will determine if you will run internal or external. Remember to get a pump that will turn over your tank water volume at least 10 times an hour. So you'll need something that will push at least 1500 gph
